School's Back In...

August 2011 brought routine back to the house. With the start of school we become scheduled again. As much as I would love to homeschool these urchins, the demands of public school rigidity are actually good for us, in most ways.

This year Bennett is in 5th grade - Mrs. Pickett.  That works well since her son, Ethan, is one of Bennett's best friends. They are familiar... yet he still respects her teacher-hood.  Sometimes I wonder if it's weird playing at your teacher's house on a Saturday. Yet, they don't seem to mind.

Maggie is in 4th grade - Mrs. Oliver. They have a mutual love for each other... Mrs. O considers Maggie to Bennett like night and day.  We enjoy having the same teacher again and being able to help in the classroom with the fun stuff.

Ruth is in 2nd grade - Mrs. Hill. We love Mrs. Hill. She is the perfect combination of strict rules and sensitivity. She runs a tight ship... and they all have a great time.

Lydia is in 1st grade - Mrs. Usher. Our 3rd year with Kelli... she has experienced each of the girls. I believe Lydia will be the biggest challenge. She is making great progress so far, so it must be working!

October 2011

Some pictures from October... school awards from White County Intermediate School - with Maggie and Bennett.

4th Grade A-Team - Maggie is back row

5th Grade A-Team - Bennett 3rd row

Star students! Both made A-team all year

Back in August (the night before the 1st day of school) our precious chocolate lab, Bucky, died. You know, if the lion will lay down with the lamb, why can't our animals be in heaven? Discuss!  :) So... one day at work a fellow co-worker was trying to get rid of a puppy that had shown up on her daughter's doorstep. I asked permission and got a yes.  On my way home from work I stopped and got this sweetest little puppy. He rode next to me and was excited to see his new home.  The kids were beside themselves for the new dog's arrival.

Our new addition - baby Russell

One Sunday afternoon we took a hike to see Brasstown Bald... with the Jennings.  It was a beautiful day and we had to shed layers as we got moving. We saw a helicopter take off with a dude who had a fight with the pavement and his motorcycle. We also saw the Heffners... Will and Shelley! Of all places.

Bennett, Meg, Ruth, Maggie, Lydia, Alex Anne

We went intending to take some pictures for Christmas cards. Aren't they cute?!?! 

Jenny & Anne - and a beautiful view

Lydia and Mommy

Keith and Anne Jennings

Bennett wanted to try out the camera on our way back down

Silly girls

The tower from whence we came... behind us.

And then there was Halloween at Concord... which is affectionately called Fall Festival.

Maggie and Carsen Baumgardner

Fireworks to end the night

The Happy crew at the end of the night... Himstedts and Davidsons!